Best Options for P2V sbs2011

[Infusions]

Sorry if this has been talked to death.

But I will be in the process of doing a SBS2011 P2V.

The server can have downtime during the weekend if needed.

I have come to 2 options;

1. Stop main services (exchange etc.) on the sbs2011 server and use the VMWARE Converter tool.

2. Create a VM on the EXSI host and do a restore from a SBS2011 backup.

Be good to know your thoughts.

Thanks

[MBrownWFP]

I would strongly recommend option 1. This is exactly the scenario that VMware Converter was designed for.

Much better in my opinion to use the right tool for the job and avoid restoring from backup. Downtime should be limited only a few minutes when you shut down the source system and power on the VM. Source system is always available as a roll-back option if required.

Matt

[Mrigendra9]

Hi,You need to go with option 1..

[cyberfed2727]

Take caution when it comes to domain controllers and P2V operations. Generally not a great idea though I've done it with success in the past.

https://kb.vmware.com/kb/1006996

[ashleymilne]

I've done about a half a dozen SBS 2011 P2V and option 1 is the best one to go with. I would do an SBS backup to external disk first, but after that, stop all the services and run the vmware P2V utility.